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States and Capitals – How Many States in India?

India, a vast South Asian nation and the world’s seventh-largest by land area, is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own capital. These states and territories are further segmented into districts. New Delhi, situated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, serves as India’s administrative, political, and cultural hub.

The states and capitals of India weave a rich and diverse tapestry, reflecting the country’s deep cultural heritage, traditions, and innovations. Exploring these regions offers a fascinating journey through time, blending ancient legacies with modern advancements, tradition with contemporary influence, and showcasing India’s remarkable unity in diversity.

States and Capitals

In 1956, India reorganized its states according to linguistic demographics. Today, the country consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, home to nearly 400 cities. Among these, eight major metropolitan cities—Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Pune—are prominent. The Prime Minister has introduced a plan to develop 100 smart cities across the nation, with Indore being recognized as the Smart City for four consecutive years. Discover India’s dynamic urban landscape and its focus on modernization.

How many states in India?

India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area and the 2nd most populated. The country is divided into states and union territories so that the government can function properly. Below is a list of all 28 states, their capitals and the year they were formed.

S.NO State Capital CM Governor
1 Andhra Pradesh Amaravati Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu S. Abdul Nazer
2 Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Pema Khandu Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
3 Assam Dispur Himanta Biswa Sarma Lakshman Prasad Acharya
4 Bihar Patna Nitish Kumar Arif Mohammed Khan
5 Chhattisgarh Raipur Vishnu Deo Sai Ramen Deka
6 Goa Panaji Pramod Sawant P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
7 Gujarat Gandhinagar Bhupendra Patel Acharya Dev Vrat
8 Haryana Chandigarh Nayab Singh Saini Bandaru Dattatraya
9 Himachal Pradesh Shimla Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Shiv Pratap Shukla
10 Jharkhand Ranchi Hemant Soren Santosh Kumar Gangwar
11 Karnataka Bengaluru Siddaramaiah Thaawarchand Gehlot
12 Kerala Thiruvananthapuram Pinarayi Vijayan Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
13 Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Mohan Yadav Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
14 Maharashtra Mumbai Devendra Fadnavis C.P. Radhakrishnan
15 Manipur Imphal N. Biren Singh
Ajay Kumar Bhalla
16 Meghalaya Shillong Conrad Kongkal Sangma
C H Vijayashankar
17 Mizoram Aizawl Lalduhoma General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd.)
18 Nagaland Kohima Neiphiu Rio
La. Ganesan
19 Odisha Bhubaneswar Mohan Charan Majhi
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati
20 Punjab Chandigarh Bhagwant Singh Mann Gulab Chand Kataria
21 Rajasthan Jaipur Bhajan Lal Sharma Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
22 Sikkim Gangtok PS Golay Om Prakash Mathur
23 Tamil Nadu Chennai M. K. Stalin R. N. Ravi
24 Telangana Hyderabad Anumula Revanth Reddy Jishnu Dev Varma
25 Tripura Agartala Dr. Manik Saha Indra Sena Reddy Nallu
26 Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Yogi Aditya Nath Anandiben Patel
27 Uttarakhand Dehradun Pushkar Singh Dhami Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
28 West Bengal Kolkata Mamata Banerjee Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

India has 8 union territories that are managed by the central government. Some of them have their own legislative assemblies. Below is the of these union territories and their capitals:

S.NO Union Territories Capital CM Lt. Governor
1 Andaman and Nicobar Island Port Blair NA D K Joshi
2 Chandigarh Chandigarh NA Banwarilal Purohit
3 Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Daman NA Praful Patel
4 Delhi Delhi Rekha Gupta Vinai Kumar Saxena
5 Ladakh NA NA B. D. Mishra
6 Lakshadweep Kavaratti NA Praful Patel
7 Jammu and Kashmir NA Omar Abdullah Manoj Sinha
8 Puducherry Pondicherry N. Rangaswamy C. P. Radhakrishnan

Difference Between States and Union Territories

India is divided into states and Union Territories for administrative purposes. They are in different in how they are governed.

Basis of Difference States Union Territories
Head of Administration Governor Administrator or Lieutenant Governor
Government Type Elected by the People Managed by the central government
Powers Shares power with the central government. Controlled directly by the central government.

Indian States and their Languages

India is a country with a rich and diverse linguistic heritage. There are over 121 languages spoken in India, and each state has its unique linguistic landscape. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “scheduled languages,” which are given special status in government and education.

S. No. States Language
1 Andhra Pradesh Telugu and Urdu
2 Arunachal Pradesh Miji, Apotanji, Merdukpen, Tagin, Adi, Honpa, Banging-Nishi
3 Assam Assamese
4 Bihar Hindi
5 Chhattisgarh Hindi
6 Goa Marathi Konkani
7 Gujarat Gujarati
8 Haryana Hindi
9 Himachal Pradesh Hindi and Pahari
10 Jharkhand Hindi
11 Karnataka Kannada
12 Kerala Malayalam
13 Madhya Pradesh Hindi
14 Maharashtra Marathi
15 Manipur Manipuri
16 Meghalaya Khashi, Jaintia, And Garo
17 Mizoram Mizo and English
18 Nagaland Ao, Konyak, Angami, Sema, and Lotha
19 Odisha Oriya
20 Punjab Punjabi
21 Rajasthan Rajasthani and Hindi
22 Sikkim Bhutia, Hindi, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu
23 Tamil Nadu Tamil
24 Telangana Telugu
25 Tripura Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak
26 Uttar Pradesh Hindi
27 Uttarakhand Hindi
28 West Bengal Bengali

Some Key Facts About Indian States

Each state in India is unique and has something special. Here are some interesting facts about a few states:

  • Andhra Pradesh: Famous for spicy food and historical sites like Charminar.
  • Assam: Know for tea gardens and Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
  • Bihar: A place with a rich history, home to Bodh Gaya and the ancient city of Pataliputra.
  • Goa: Popular for beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
  • Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda treatments and lush green nature.
  • Maharashtra: Mumbai, the financial capital, is also home to Bollywood.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Known for stunning hill stations and adventure sports.
  • Tamil Nadu: Famous for classical dance forms and grand temples.

Health Ministry Starts Campaign on Snack Nutrition

Health Ministry of India launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the nutritional content of popular Indian snacks. Starting with a pilot project at AIIMS Nagpur, the campaign aims to reduce health problems caused by hidden sugars, fats, and oils in commonly eaten foods. The goal is to help people make better food choices and fight the rise of lifestyle diseases.

Posters to Show What’s Inside Your Snack

The campaign started at AIIMS Nagpur, where calorie posters were placed next to popular food stalls. These posters show how much sugar, fat, and trans fat is in snacks like samosas, biscuits, and jalebis. They also include health warnings about problems like heart disease and diabetes from eating such foods regularly.

The posters are not meant to scare people but to encourage moderation, helping them enjoy their snacks while staying healthy. The government plans to expand this idea to more cities and public places soon.

Government Support and Workplace Changes

The Health Secretary has asked all government departments to support the campaign. This includes,

  • Displaying health messages on office stationery and publications
  • Providing healthier food options in offices (like fruits and low-fat snacks)
  • Reducing sugary drinks and fried snacks
  • Encouraging physical activity, such as taking stairs or doing light exercise during breaks
  • These steps aim to promote a healthier lifestyle at workplaces.

Health Risks of Popular Snacks

Snacks like pakoras, samosas, jalebis, and tea-time biscuits are tasty but contain hidden sugars, oils, and trans fats. These can lead to serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, strokes, heart disease, and even cancer. Many people are unaware of the dangers because these foods are easily available and affordable.

The campaign wants to inform the public so they can make better choices and understand how often eating these foods can harm health.

India’s Growing Obesity Challenge

A report by The Lancet warns that India could have 450 million obese or overweight people by 2050, making it the second-highest after China. One major reason is the easy access and marketing of cheap, processed foods that are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt.

The new campaign uses posters and visual signs as a form of “nudging”—a public health method to guide people toward better food habits without strict rules.

Health Ministry of India launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the nutritional content of popular Indian snacks. Starting with a pilot project at AIIMS Nagpur, the campaign aims to reduce health problems caused by hidden sugars, fats, and oils in commonly eaten foods. The goal is to help people make better food choices and fight the rise of lifestyle diseases.

Current Affairs 16 July 2025

National News

India’s First Digital Nomad Village Opens in Sikkim

  1. Yakten village in Pakyong district, Sikkim became India’s first digital nomad village on 15 July 2025.
  2. The project is named “Nomad Sikkim” and aims to support remote workers in a peaceful hill setting.
  3. It is a joint initiative by the Pakyong district administration and NGO Sarvahitey.
  4. The goal is to help locals earn during the off-tourist season (April to October) through homestays.
  5. Yakten now offers high-speed broadband, village-wide Wi-Fi, and power backup for digital workers.
  6. Jal Jeevan Mission is working to improve the village’s water supply.
  7. The village is easily accessible by road and is near Pakyong Airport.
  8. Homestays provide local food, cultural experiences, and promote rural tourism.
  9. The project supports the local economy and reduces dependence on seasonal tourism.
  10. Experts say the model can be replicated in other Indian villages for digital rural growth.
  11. Visitors can explore community gardens, go for nature walks, and trek to Jhandi Dara View Point.

75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) Inaugurated in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh

  1. The 75th PM Divyasha Kendra has been opened at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
  2. It was inaugurated by Shri B.L. Verma, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment.
  3. The centre aims to support persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and senior citizens.
  4. It offers assessment, counselling, aid distribution, and follow-up services in one place.
  5. Services are provided under two schemes: ADIP (for Divyangjan) and RVY (for senior citizens).
  6. Free assistive devices include wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids, walkers, and artificial limbs.
  7. The centre brings services closer to rural and small-town beneficiaries.
  8. ALIMCO and the District Administration are key partners in this initiative.
  9. Over 1.40 lakh people have benefited from PMDKs across India so far.
  10. Devices worth over ₹179.15 lakh have been distributed through these centres.
  11. The project supports the Accessible India and Empowered India mission.
  12. The new centre will reduce travel time and costs for beneficiaries in nearby areas.

BITS Pilani to Set Up India’s First AI Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

  1. BITS Pilani announced the launch of India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
  2. The campus will focus mainly on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields.
  3. It will begin admissions in 2027, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.
  4. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has allotted 70 acres of land for the project.
  5. The project was announced by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor of BITS and Chairman of Aditya Birla Group.
  6. The aim is to build a digital-first, AI-focused centre offering global-level education.
  7. Courses will include Data Science, Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Computational Linguistics.
  8. The campus will have smart buildings, renewable energy, and IoT-based infrastructure.
  9. CM Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the project, saying it supports his vision for Amaravati as an education hub.
  10. Students will get global exposure, industry internships, and training for real-world AI applications.
  11. The campus will explore AI use in agriculture, climate change, and healthcare.
  12. Architecture will blend traditional Indian temple design with modern features.
  13. A new access road is planned to improve campus connectivity.
  14. Under Project Vistar, BITS will invest an additional Rs 1,200 crore in expanding its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.
  15. The goal is to reach 26,000 students across all campuses by 2030–31.

State News

Gujarat Becomes Top State in Processed Potato Production

  1. Gujarat is now India’s number one state in processed potato production in 2024–25.
  2. Banaskantha district led the state with 18.70 lakh tonnes from over 61,000 hectares.
  3. Productivity in Banaskantha was 30.65 tonnes per hectare, the highest in the state.
  4. Other major districts: Sabarkantha with 12.97 lakh tonnes and Aravalli with 6.99 lakh tonnes.
  5. Gujarat uses modern cold storage and farming techniques to grow French fry-grade potatoes.
  6. Popular varieties: Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana – suitable for fries and chips.
  7. Processed potatoes are in high demand from QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) and export markets.
  8. Government support from central and state schemes helped boost production.
  9. Gujarat is now a leading supplier for frozen food companies and international markets.

Banking News

Raghavendra S Bhat Appointed Interim CEO of Karnataka Bank

  1. Karnataka Bank appointed Raghavendra S Bhat as interim MD & CEO from 16 July 2025.
  2. He will serve for three months or until a new CEO is appointed.
  3. Bhat joined the bank in 1981 as a clerk and became COO in 2019.
  4. He was reappointed COO on 1 July 2025, just before becoming interim CEO.
  5. The appointment follows the resignation of Srikrishnan H S, who stepped down on 29 June 2025.
  6. Executive Director Sekhar Rao also resigned; his last working day is 31 July 2025.
  7. A search committee has been formed to find permanent leaders.
  8. Bhat has no restrictions from SEBI and is not related to any board member.

Appointments  News

R Doraiswamy Appointed LIC MD and CEO

  1. R Doraiswamy has been appointed as MD & CEO of LIC from 15 July 2025.
  2. His term will last till 28 August 2028, when he turns 62.
  3. He has over 38 years of experience in LIC.
  4. He previously served as Executive Director (IT/Software Development).
  5. He has worked in marketing, pensions, operations, and training.
  6. Doraiswamy was selected by FSIB and approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  7. He replaces Sat Pal Bhanoo, who was interim MD & CEO since 8 June 2025.

Economy News

Retail Inflation Falls to 2.1% in June 2025

  1. Retail inflation dropped to 2.1% in June 2025, the lowest since 2018.
  2. Food prices like vegetables (down 19%) and pulses (down 12%) dropped sharply.
  3. Wholesale inflation turned negative at -0.13%, the lowest in 2 years.
  4. Inflation in eggs, gold, and healthcare rose slightly.
  5. RBI has cut interest rates three times in 2025, repo rate now at 5.5%.
  6. Experts expect no further cuts soon, despite low inflation.

₹4.77 Lakh Crore Refunded in FY25 as Tax System Improves

  1. Income tax refunds reached ₹4.77 lakh crore in FY25, up 474% since 2013.
  2. Refund processing time reduced from 93 days (2013) to 17 days (2024).
  3. Tax collections grew by 274% in the same period.
  4. Total I-T collections rose to ₹27.03 lakh crore in FY25.
  5. Share of refunds increased to 17.6% of total collections.
  6. Number of return filers increased from 3.8 crore (2013) to 8.89 crore (2024).
  7. Digital systems like faceless assessments and auto-processing improved speed and transparency.

Important Days

World Youth Skills Day 2025 – Theme: AI and Digital Skills

  1. Observed every year on 15 July to promote youth skill development.
  2. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this UN-declared day (since 2014).
  3. Theme for 2025: “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills”.
  4. Day focuses on preparing youth for jobs and entrepreneurship in a digital world.
  5. Over 267 million youth are NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).

  6. Key challenges:

  • 86% of students feel unprepared for AI jobs.
  • 90% of girls in poor countries are still offline.
  • Only 1 in 10 teens in rich nations use digital tools for over 1 hour weekly.
  • Cyber safety laws are still missing in many countries.

  1. TVET (Technical and Vocational Education & Training) helps bridge the skills gap.

  2. Events include skills contests, panel talks, and global discussions.

What is the Old Name of Kashmir? Know About It

Kashmir is a beautiful and famous region known for its natural beauty, mountains, rivers and peaceful valleys. It has a long and rich history that goes back thousands of years. Many poets, travelers and historians have written about its charm and importance. Just like its beauty, the name of Kashmir also has an interesting story behind it, which comes from ancient times and old legends.

An Overview of Kashmir

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world, often called ”Paradise on Earth.’‘ It is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Besides its natural beauty, Kashmir also has a deep and interesting history. One important question people ask is: What was Kashmir called in ancient times? The answer takes us back to legends, books and names that have changed over time.

The Ancient Name of Kashmir

In ancient times, Kashmir was known as Kashyapa Maru or Kashyapapura. These names come from Rishi Kashyapa, a wise and respected sage in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Kashmir was once covered by a large lake called Satisar.

Rishi Kashyap is believed to have drained this lake to create land where people could live. To honor him, the land was named after him – Kashyapapura, which means ”the city or land of Kashyapa.”

How the Name Became ”Kashmir?”

The name ”Kashmir” slowly changed over time. As different people and cultures came to the region, they began to say the name in their own ways. For example:

  • In Sanskrit, it was called Kashmira.
  • Later, in Persian and Arabic, it became Kashmir.
  • The English word ”Kashmir” also comes from these earlier forms.

Though the name changed, it still kept the memory of Rishi Kashyapa.

Kashmir in Ancient Books

Kashmir is mentioned in many old books and stories. These show how important and famous the region was, even in ancient times.

  • In the Mahabharata ( a famous Indian epic), Kashmir is called Kashmira.
  • The Rajatarangini, a history book written by Kalhana in the 12th century, talks in detail about Kashmir’s kings and events.
  • In many Sanskrit texts, Kashmir is described as a land of learning, beauty and peace.

Other Old Names of Kashmir

Kashmir has had different names in different times and cultures:

  • In Buddhist texts, it was called Kashmira Mandala, showing its spiritual value.
  • Some Greek writers mentioned it as Kasperia, since Kashmir was part of important trade routes.
  • Persian and Central Asian travelers continued to call it Kashmir, the name that still exists today.

How the Name Changed Over time?

The name changed as different rulers and cultures came to Kashmir:

  • From Kashyapapura (Sanskrit)
  • To Kashmira (classical language and texts)
  • Then to Kashmir (Persian, Arabic and modern usage)

Even though the spelling and pronunciation changed, the connection to Rishi Kashyapa stayed alive.

India’s First AI Campus to Open in Andhra Pradesh

BITS Pilani announced that it will set up India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. The new campus will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields and is expected to begin admissions in 2027. With an investment of Rs 1,000 crore, this project marks a big step forward for tech-based education in India.

A First-of-Its-Kind Campus

BITS Pilani, a top private university, is building a new campus that will focus mainly on AI and digital learning. This special campus will be set up on 70 acres of land given by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) in Amaravati.

The project was announced by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor of BITS and Chairman of Aditya Birla Group. He said the aim is to create a “digital-first, AI-focused” centre for learning that offers global standards and real-world experience.

Global Exposure and Green Design

The campus will have modern features like smart buildings, renewable energy systems, and IoT-based services. It will provide AI-related programmes in areas such as Data Science, Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Computational Linguistics.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the project and said it matches his vision to make Amaravati a center for advanced education. He shared on social media (X) that the students will get international exposure and industry internships, helping them prepare for future jobs.

AI for Real-World Problems

BITS Vice Chancellor V. Ramagopala Rao said this will be India’s first full AI-focused campus. He explained that students will learn the basics of AI and how it can be used in areas like agriculture, climate change, and healthcare. The campus will also have global university partnerships to bring in the latest knowledge and methods.

Architecture and Expansion Plans

The new campus is being built near the Venkateswara Swamy Temple, and the buildings will reflect a mix of traditional Indian temple style and modern design. A new access road is also being planned to make it easy to reach the campus.

As part of Project Vistar, BITS also plans to spend Rs 1,200 crore to expand its Pilani, Hyderabad, and Goa campuses. The goal is to increase the total number of students across all campuses to 26,000 by 2030–31.

Union Minister B.L. Verma Inaugurates New PMDK in Uttar Pradesh

75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) will be opened at the Government Medical College in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. The centre will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma. This centre will provide important support services to Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens, making it easier for them to get the help they need close to home.

Inauguration Ceremony at Badaun

The new PMDK centre in Badaun is part of the central government’s efforts to reach and support differently-abled persons and elderly people. The inauguration ceremony will be held at the Government Medical College, Badaun, and will be led by Shri B.L. Verma, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment. Officials from the ministry, ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), and the District Administration will also attend the event.

The event marks an important step in the Government’s mission of creating an ‘Accessible India, Empowered India’, where no citizen is left behind due to disability or age.

Services Offered at PMDK

The Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) is a special centre where people with disabilities and the elderly can get services like assessment, counselling, distribution of aids, and follow-up care—all in one place. The centre will offer support under two schemes,

  • ADIP Scheme – for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities)
  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) – for senior citizens

Beneficiaries will receive free assistive devices such as wheelchairs, tricycles, walkers, hearing aids, and artificial limbs.

Impact So Far and Government Response

With this new addition, the number of operational PMDKs in India has reached 75. So far, these centres have helped more than 1.40 lakh people, and over ₹179.15 lakh worth of devices have been distributed. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment shared that the aim is to bring services closer to the people to reduce their travel and make life easier.

This step has been welcomed by local communities, especially those who earlier had to travel long distances to access such facilities. Now, help is just around the corner.

World Youth Skills Day 2025: Empowering Youth Through AI and Digital Skills

Every year on July 15, the world comes together to observe World Youth Skills Day. This day raises awareness about the importance of helping young people gain the skills they need for employment, entrepreneurship, and personal development. In 2025, the observance is especially significant as it marks the 10th anniversary since the United Nations declared this day in 2014. The theme this year — “Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills” — reflects the growing role of technology in shaping careers and societies.

Why World Youth Skills Day Is Important

World Youth Skills Day was established to bring global attention to the skills gap that limits many young people from accessing decent jobs and contributing fully to their communities. A huge number of youth fall into the NEET category — Not in Employment, Education, or Training. As of recent reports, nearly 267 million youth were NEET, and this number may rise to 273 million soon.

This day also highlights how skills development is linked to achieving sustainable development, reducing poverty, and fostering economic growth. It promotes technical and vocational education as a powerful tool to unlock better futures for youth.

2025 Theme: AI and Digital Skills for the Future

The theme for 2025 is “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills”. This focuses on the importance of preparing youth for a digital world where Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, and live. According to the UN, while AI offers exciting opportunities, it also poses risks if young people are not trained properly or fairly.

Key challenges include,

  • 86% of students feeling unprepared for an AI-driven workplace
  • In low-income countries, 90% of girls and young women are still offline
  • Only 1 in 10 teenagers in rich nations use digital tools for learning over one hour weekly
  • Most countries still lack laws to protect youth from cyberbullying and other online risks

How TVET Supports Youth Growth

To help bridge the skills gap, the UN and its partners support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). TVET prepares youth to become technicians, craftsmen, or digital professionals, combining hands-on skills with classroom learning. It’s proven to,

  • Increase chances of getting a job
  • Raise income levels
  • Improve self-confidence and lifelong learning
  • Offer more job flexibility
  • Boost overall job satisfaction

Events and Ways to Support #WorldYouthSkillsDay

Each year, UN Headquarters in New York and other places host events like,

  • Photo and essay competitions
  • Skills demonstrations
  • Panel discussions with employers, youth, and educators
  • Ways to support include:
  • Encouraging youth to join vocational programs
  • Sharing stories of skilled youth on social media using #WorldYouthSkillsDay
  • Discussing career skills with students and children
  • Volunteering for skill-based learning programs

Raghavendra S Bhat Named Interim CEO of Karnataka Bank

Karnataka Bank has named Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat as its interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), starting from 16 July 2025. This move comes after a recent leadership crisis, following the resignation of the previous MD and CEO. Bhat will hold the position for three months or until a new permanent CEO is appointed.

Who is Raghavendra S Bhat?

Raghavendra S Bhat is a long-time employee of Karnataka Bank, having joined as a clerk in 1981. Over the years, he moved up the ranks and became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2019. He was re-appointed as COO on 1 July 2025, just before stepping into the interim MD & CEO role. His long experience with the bank makes him a trusted choice during this period of transition.

Leadership Reshuffle and Resignations

The leadership change follows the resignation of Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma, the former MD and CEO, who stepped down on 29 June 2025 due to personal reasons. His official term ends on 15 July. In addition, Executive Director Sekhar Rao also resigned, citing personal reasons and inability to relocate to Mangaluru. His resignation will take effect from 31 July 2025.

What Happens Next?

To find a permanent MD, CEO, and Executive Director, the Karnataka Bank board has set up a search committee. The bank has also confirmed that Bhat is not barred by SEBI or any other authority, and he is not related to any of the current directors. The bank is expected to maintain stability while the search for new leadership continues.

Gujarat Leads India in Processed Potato Production

Gujarat has become India’s top producer of processed potatoes, especially those used to make French fries and wafers, according to data from 2024–25. This is a major development for both farmers and food companies, as it helps reduce imports and boost exports. The success is driven by modern farming, government support, and rising demand from food chains and global markets.

Banaskantha Leads the Way in Potato Farming

Banaskantha district is Gujarat’s top performer in processed potato production for the third year in a row. In 2024–25, it produced 18.70 lakh tonnes of potatoes from over 61,000 hectares. This is a jump from 15.62 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. With a productivity rate of 30.65 tonnes per hectare, the district plays a big role in meeting the demand for French fry-grade potatoes.

Other key districts are Sabarkantha, which produced 12.97 lakh tonnes, and Aravalli, which produced 6.99 lakh tonnes, both with high productivity levels. Aravalli, despite being new to potato farming, has grown rapidly due to good climate and strong infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Export Growth

Gujarat’s northern districts have modern cold storage facilities that keep potatoes fresh and suitable for processing throughout the year. These regions are now top suppliers for frozen food companies and quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

The varieties grown—like Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana—have high dry matter and low sugar, making them perfect for crispy, golden fries that meet global quality standards. This has also opened up export opportunities, especially to the Middle East.

Government Support Boosts Growth

The rise in processed potato farming is backed by the central and state governments. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for value-added agriculture, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s state policies, farmers are receiving the tools and guidance needed to grow processing-grade crops.

Efforts by the Agriculture Department, Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation, and local farmers have made Gujarat a model for how agriculture can support industry and increase farmer incomes through exports and food processing.

R Doraiswamy Appointed LIC MD and CEO Till 2028

The Government of India has appointed R Doraiswamy as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), effective from July 15, 2025. His term will continue until August 28, 2028, when he reaches the retirement age of 62. This appointment is important as LIC is India’s largest insurance company and plays a key role in the financial sector.

Who Is R Doraiswamy?

R Doraiswamy has over 38 years of experience at LIC. He has worked in various departments including operations, marketing, technology, pensions, and insurance education. He was earlier serving as Executive Director (IT/Software Development) and has also held key positions such as Regional Manager (Marketing and Pensions) and Senior Divisional Manager in places like Chennai, Kottayam, and Pune.

He has also worked with the National Insurance Academy in Pune on research projects in micro insurance, product development, and insurance education. His qualifications include a Mathematics degree from Madurai Kamaraj University, and he is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of India.

Appointment Process and Background

Doraiswamy was chosen for the top post following the recommendation by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) on June 11, 2025. His name was later approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is led by the Prime Minister.

He replaces Sat Pal Bhanoo, who served as interim MD and CEO from June 8 to September 7, 2025, after the end of Siddhartha Mohanty’s term on June 7.

LIC and Its Leadership Structure

LIC, which is a listed company under the Ministry of Finance, is one of the largest financial institutions in India. The leadership includes one CEO and MD, supported by four Managing Directors. The appointment of a new full-time CEO is expected to bring more stability and direction to the organisation’s long-term goals.

In Which State is Rajaji National Park Located? Know About Its Location and History

India is home to many beautiful national parks that protect wild animals, birds and forests. These parks are special places where nature is kept safe and people can enjoy wildlife. One such amazing national park is known for its green forests, big rivers and many animals like elephants and tigers. It is also a favorite spot for nature lovers, tourists and wildlife photographers.

Location of Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is spread across three districts of Uttarakhand:

  • Haridwar
  • Dehradun
  • Pauri Garhwal

It lies in the Sivalik Hills, which are at the foothills of the Himalayas. The famous Ganga River flows through the park and divides it into two parts:

  • Western part: Rajaji and Motichur range
  • Eastern part: Chilla range

History of Rajaji National Park

  • In 1948, the area was first declared as Rajaji Sanctuary.
  • In 1983, three areas – Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla – were combined to form Rajaji National Park.
  • In 2015, the park was declared a Tiger Reserve, making it an important place for tiger conservation.

Today, it covers a total area of 1,150 square kilometers, including nearby forest areas.

Geography of the Rajaji National Park

  • The park is located between 300 to 1,400 meters above sea level.
  • It covers an area of 820 square kilometers as the core park, with more forest ranges added for the tiger reserve.
  • It is surrounded by hills, forests, rivers and open grasslands, making it a peaceful and rich natural space.

What Kind of Plants Grow Here?

Rajaji National Park has many types of plants, including:

  • Sal trees, shisham and bamboo
  • Flowering trees like amaltas, kachnar and palash
  • Medicinal trees like amla and bel
  • Grassy meadows and riverbank plants

These plants make the park green and provide food and shelter to animals.

Which Animals Live in Rajaji National Park?

Rajaji National Park is home to many wild animals, such as:

  • Indian elephants
  • Bengal tigers
  • Leopards
  • Deer species: chital, sambar and barasingha
  • Wild boar, nilgai, sloth bears, black bears
  • Monkeys and langurs
  • Small animals like mongoose, porcupine and hares
  • Snakes and lizards including cobras and pythons

The park is also home to mountain animals like goral and Himalayan tahr, which live on rocky hills.

Birds of Rajaji National Park

Over 315 kinds of birds can be seen here, including:

  • Peacocks
  • Jungle fowl
  • Woodpeckers
  • Hornbills
  • Vultures
  • Partridges
  • Quails

This makes the park a great place for bird watchers.

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